Seeking to showcase the best of young artistic talent in Singapore and to celebrate the importance of art within the education system, the Sovereign Art Charity Ltd. (SAC) has formed a partnership with Singapore Contemporary to establish the Sovereign Art Charity Students Prize, Singapore 2017.

In the four years since its inception, The Sovereign Art Foundation Students Prize in Hong Kong has recognised many exceptionally talented students and had a marked impact in fostering creativity in young people within the city. In view of this, SAC is now looking to recognise and reward the best students and art programmes in Singapore.

The initiative will see all Singapore secondary schools and art institutions invited to submit the best artworks produced by students within the academic year.

A judging panel of local art professionals, led by SAC Chairman Howard Bilton, will shortlist 20 finalist artworks to be exhibited at Singapore Contemporary in the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre from from 19–22 January 2017. Here, the public will have the opportunity to view the artworks and cast a vote for their favourite piece. The winning artworks across both categories will be announced at Singapore Contemporary, including those awarded first prize, as well as a public vote prize.

Howard Bilton, Chairman of The Sovereign Art Charity, said of the collaboration:

“Launching a Singapore Students Prize is an extension of the work we do assisting disadvantaged children using art as therapy and rehabilitation. We believe that art education enhances life and creativity amongst the young and is an important part of the educational process. Our partnership with Singapore Contemporary allows us to show the best of the student work to the wider public within a new and vibrant platform.”

Sovereign’s core business is setting up and managing companies, trusts, pensions, insurance and other structures to meet the specific personal or business needs of its clients. The Sovereign Art Charity is an affiliate company of The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF), a registered charity founded in 2003 in Hong Kong, which is now also registered in the UK and South Africa. SAF runs the annual Sovereign Asian Art Prize with the purpose of raising money to help disadvantaged children. Since its inception, SAF has raised over US$5 million for charities worldwide, while the Sovereign Asian Art Prize has become the largest award for the arts across Asia. SAF funds projects using art as education, rehabilitation and therapy for disadvantaged children. The Sovereign Asian Art Prize is now in its 12th year.

Websites: www.sovereignartfoundation.com, www.singaporecontemporary.com